Prison Island is a dynamic sandy cay nestled between Home Island and Direction Island in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands' southern atoll. Once densely covered with coconut palms, the island's shifting sands constantly reshape the surrounding shallow reefs. The reefs here serve as a vital nursery for juvenile fish, offering snorkellers a drift-style experience past vibrant coral gardens teeming with life. The pristine, protected waters of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park mean exceptionally healthy coral with minimal bleaching, making this a pristine spot for those seeking solitude and abundant sea life.
Prison (snorkel site)
IntermediateGO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 2.5 knPrecipitation 14 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Tidal channel currents
Strong tidal flows can develop in the channel between Prison Island and Direction Island, especially during spring tides.
Low risk: Drift current
A drift snorkel along the island's edge — currents can be moderate and pull snorkellers along the reef. Best attempted with a boat support or experienced guide.
Low risk: Remote location / no facilities
The cay is a remote sandy island with no shade, fresh water, or facilities. Sun exposure and dehydration are risks.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Prison Island lies between Home Island and Direction Island in the southern atoll of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Access is by boat only — local charters (Cocos Blue, Cocosday Boat Tours, or Cocos Dive) can take you there. No public ferry service.
Parking & facilities
No dedicated parking — accessed via boat charter departing from West Island or Home Island jetties. Discuss meeting points with your skipper.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports